Inlays and Onlays: High-Quality Aesthetics
Inlays and onlays are considered high-quality dental restorations and provide an aesthetic and long-lasting solution for damaged teeth. At Dental Clinic Vienna Döbling, we use modern technologies to create precise and fully functional dental restorations. Discover how our individual inlays and onlays can improve your dental health and enhance your smile.
Ideal for long-lasting dental repairs
What are inlays and onlays?
Inlays and onlays are custom-made dental restorations used to repair damaged or decayed teeth. Inlays fill the area within the cusps of the tooth, while onlays can cover one or more cusps, including the chewing surface.
Differences between inlays, onlays and fillings
Compared to conventional fillings, inlays and onlays provide a more precise, stable, and longer-lasting restoration. Unlike conventional fillings, which are shaped directly in the mouth, inlays and onlays are manufactured in a dental laboratory and then bonded into the tooth.
Benefits of inlays and onlays
Inlays and onlays offer several advantages: they are aesthetically pleasing, particularly durable, and preserve the natural tooth structure, as they are precisely fitted and have properties similar to natural tooth substances.
Indications
Inlays and onlays are ideal solutions for the restoration of teeth with moderate to larger defects and offer aesthetic as well as functional advantages over conventional fillings.
Moderate to larger carious defects
For caries that are too extensive for fillings but do not affect the entire tooth, inlays and onlays provide precise and stable restorations.
Damage to occlusal surfaces and interdental spaces
Inlays and onlays are suitable for defects in heavily stressed areas such as occlusal surfaces and interdental spaces in order to preserve function and aesthetics.
Replacement of old fillings
Old, defective, or discolored fillings (e.g. composite or amalgam) can be replaced with inlays and onlays to protect the tooth structure and improve aesthetics.
Get professional advice →Benefits of ceramic inlays
Inlays and onlays offer a long-lasting solution that preserves the natural tooth structure while being aesthetically pleasing.
01.
Longevity and durability
Ceramic inlays and onlays are known for their longevity. They can last for many years without needing to be replaced.
02.
Natural aesthetics
Thanks to their individual adaptation and high-quality materials, ceramic inlays and onlays provide a natural and aesthetically pleasing appearance.
03.
Preservation of tooth structure
Ceramic inlays and onlays are stable and load-bearing, making them an ideal choice for patients seeking a long-lasting solution. They also preserve the existing tooth structure.
04.
Metal-free solution
Ceramic inlays and onlays offer the additional advantage of being completely metal-free. This makes them particularly biocompatible and reduces the risk of allergic reactions or metal-related discoloration. In addition, they blend seamlessly with the natural tooth structure in terms of appearance.
Book your consultation appointment online now →Treatment procedure
Initial consultation and diagnosis
At the beginning, a thorough examination and consultation are carried out, during which we assess the condition of your tooth and discuss the best possible solution. If an inlay or onlay is required, we will explain the further treatment procedure in detail.
Preparation of the tooth
In the first phase of treatment, caries or the old filling is carefully removed to create a clean basis for the new restoration. Only healthy tooth structure is preserved to ensure stability.
Digital impression and planning
A precise digital impression is then created using a 3D scanner. We use this data to plan the inlay or onlay on the computer in order to ensure a perfect fit.
Fabrication in our in-house laboratory
Thanks to our own dental laboratory, the inlay or onlay is manufactured immediately from high-quality ceramic. This step takes place directly after the impression and takes only about one hour.
Placement of the inlay/onlay
Once the inlay or onlay is ready, it is custom-made to fit your tooth and permanently bonded during the same appointment. The bite is then checked to ensure optimal comfort and function before you leave.
Dental technology within a few hours
Thanks to our in-house dental laboratory and our experienced dental technician, we are usually able to manufacture your inlays, onlays, or other technical restorations within a few hours and place them immediately. Impression taking (intraoral scanner), design (CAD), and fabrication (CAM) are carried out through digital workflows to ensure the highest possible precision and quality. The final finishing by our dental technician guarantees a perfect shade match and an aesthetically optimal result.
Aftercare and maintenance
Proper oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups are essential to ensure the long-term durability of your ceramic inlays and onlays. Brushing twice daily, daily flossing, and professional cleanings help maintain your restorations in excellent condition. Regular dental visits help monitor the condition of the inlays and onlays and allow potential issues to be identified at an early stage. With good care, complications are rare; nevertheless, it is important to watch for signs of damage or loosening and to address them promptly. With our modern inlays and onlays, we offer you an aesthetically pleasing and long-lasting solution that optimally supports your dental health. Schedule an appointment at Dental Clinic Vienna Döbling and experience the quality of our dental technology services for yourself.
Author
Dr. Matthias Göstel
Dentist, Medical Director
Dental Clinic Vienna Döbling
15.12.2025
We are here for you!
Phone
You are welcome to call us Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. to schedule an appointment by phone.
01 320 97 97 →
Online Booking
You can also conveniently book your appointment online — anytime, day or night.
Book Appointment Online →
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Inlays and Onlays
Here you will find all frequently asked questions. If you have any further questions, you are welcome to contact us at any time and schedule a consultation appointment. We are available Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at 01 320 97 97. You are also welcome to use our online appointment booking. We look forward to your visit!
Inlays and onlays are custom-made dental restorations that repair damaged or decayed teeth while preserving their natural aesthetics. Inlays are placed within the tooth structure, while onlays cover larger areas, including the chewing surfaces.
Inlays and onlays offer a more stable and longer-lasting solution compared to conventional fillings. They are manufactured in a dental laboratory, resulting in a better fit, properties similar to natural tooth substances, and improved aesthetics. While fillings are placed directly into the tooth, inlays and onlays require a more precise manufacturing process.
Longevity and durability:
Inlays and onlays are particularly long-lasting and stable.
Aesthetics:
They blend seamlessly with the natural tooth color.
Functional advantages:
They protect the tooth structure and provide a stable solution for damaged teeth.
Natural aesthetics:
Ceramic offers excellent adaptation to the natural tooth color, making the restorations virtually invisible.
High biocompatibility:
Ceramic is biocompatible and therefore well tolerated by the gums and surrounding tissues.
Resistance to discoloration:
Ceramic remains color-stable over the years, resulting in a long-lasting aesthetic solution.
Similar properties:
Ceramic has properties similar to natural tooth substances.
Longevity:
Ceramic inlays and onlays are extremely durable and can maintain their function for many years.
Inlays and onlays are ideal for moderate to large tooth damage where conventional fillings are not sufficient. They are particularly suitable for molars and other heavily stressed teeth.
Inlays and onlays can be made from ceramic or gold. We prefer ceramic due to its natural aesthetics and high biocompatibility.
The manufacturing process begins with a digital impression of the tooth, which is further processed in the dental laboratory. There, the inlays and onlays are precisely fabricated to ensure an optimal fit and the highest quality.
During the initial examination, the tooth is thoroughly assessed, followed by a consultation to determine the best solution for tooth restoration. A decision is then made as to whether an inlay or onlay is the appropriate choice.
The damaged tooth is cleaned and prepared to optimally accommodate the inlay or onlay. This includes the removal of caries and, if necessary, the adjustment of the tooth structure.
After the ceramic inlay or onlay has been fabricated in the laboratory, it is placed into the tooth and individually adjusted to ensure a perfect fit and a high level of comfort.
Inlays and onlays offer a long-lasting solution that preserves the natural tooth structure while remaining aesthetically pleasing. They are particularly durable and stable, often outperforming conventional fillings.
Thanks to their natural appearance, inlays and onlays blend seamlessly into the smile and provide an aesthetically pleasing result. They are hardly distinguishable from natural teeth.
Inlays and onlays protect the tooth structure, as they are specially fabricated to optimally stabilize and strengthen the tooth. This results in longer preservation of the natural tooth structure.
Regular tooth brushing, the use of dental floss, and attending routine check-up examinations are essential to ensure the longevity of ceramic inlays and onlays. Regular professional dental cleanings are also part of proper care, along with specific care instructions provided by our specialists.
Regular dental visits help monitor the condition of inlays and onlays and allow potential issues to be detected at an early stage. This contributes to the long-term durability and functionality of the restorations.
Possible complications may include chipping or loosening of the inlay or onlay. However, with proper care and regular check-ups, these complications can usually be avoided
With good care and regular check-ups, inlays and onlays can last for many years, if not a lifetime. The exact lifespan depends on various factors, including the materials used and individual oral hygiene habits.
The cost of inlays and onlays may be higher than that of conventional fillings, but it reflects their higher quality, durability, and aesthetic advantages. In the long term, they can be cost-effective, as they need to be replaced less frequently.
Ceramic inlays and onlays are particularly suitable for molars and other teeth that are exposed to strong chewing forces. They provide an optimal solution for teeth with more extensive damage.
Ceramic inlays offer excellent aesthetics, as they closely match the natural tooth color, and are biocompatible, making them well tolerated by the gums. They are also resistant to discoloration.
After the placement of inlays and onlays, they are fully load-bearing, just like a healthy natural tooth. Good oral hygiene and regular dental visits are essential for the longevity of the restorations.
No, in children a conventional composite filling is the treatment of choice, as the tooth pulp is still relatively large and the risk of pulp injury cannot be ruled out. Inlays and onlays are therefore only suitable for adults.
At our clinic, inlays or onlays can usually be placed during the same appointment, within approximately two hours. The inlay/onlay is hand-painted and fired by our dental technician. In rare cases, a temporary solution may be placed until the final inlay or onlay is completed.
At Zahnklinik Wien Döbling, we carefully assess whether inlays and onlays are the best solution for each patient. Our experienced team performs a thorough examination to determine the optimal treatment option. Not all patients are suitable for this type of restoration, but we ensure that you receive the best possible care.
Well-fabricated inlays and onlays are biocompatible and should have no negative effects on the gums. However, they should be checked regularly to prevent inflammation or irritation.
Alternatives to inlays and onlays include conventional fillings or crowns. The choice of the best solution depends on the extent of tooth damage and the patient’s aesthetic requirements.
The lifespan of inlays and onlays can be extended through good oral hygiene and regular dental visits. With proper care, inlays and onlays can last a lifetime.
Zahnklinik Wien Döbling offers high-quality inlays and onlays using state-of-the-art technology and an experienced team. Thorough consultation and tailored solutions are guaranteed.
Yes, inlays and onlays can be removed and replaced if necessary. The dentist will regularly check the condition of the restorations and make adjustments if required.
Ceramic inlays and onlays cannot be whitened. It is important to precisely match the tooth color before placement. Regular oral care helps prevent discoloration.
Inlays and onlays should be checked at least once a year during regular dental visits. This helps to detect and address potential issues at an early stage.
Inlays and onlays can be used in patients with bruxism; however, a careful assessment by our dentist is essential. At Zahnklinik Wien Döbling, we may recommend additional protective measures, such as a night guard, to protect both the restorations and the teeth. Our specialized team ensures that you receive the best possible treatment tailored to your individual needs.
The choice of material for your inlay or onlay depends on your individual needs and preferences. At Zahnklinik Wien Döbling, we offer comprehensive consultation to help you find the best option for you. Our dentist takes durability, aesthetics, and cost into account to ensure that you receive the solution that suits you best.